County budget could top $57 million

County budget could top $57 million

A total budget of $57.2 million for fiscal year 2013 was proposed by Cole County Auditor Jim LePage to the county commission on Thursday.

That's up slightly from the 2012 budget of $56.6 million.

Expenditures stay about the same at about $43 million.

Among the highlights in the proposed budget:

• More than $13 million in infrastructure projects.

• Nearly $15 million for public safety including law enforcement activities.

• A salary increase of 3 percent for all county employees given as a combination of a cost of living adjustment, a merit/longevity component and a market adjustment. The county will also cover health and dental insurance. LePage estimated this would cost $400,000.

• Reserves in all funds should be at or above target levels of 8 to 15 percent basic revenue.